2019, Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A

author(s)
Taonateshe Takesure, Dr. Petty Makoni and Mugadza Gladys

abstract
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision is the surgical and non- surgical removal of the foreskin. In 2007, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) was recommended as an additional HIV Prevention package in countries with high HIV Prevalence and low VMMC uptake WHO &UNAIDS (2007). Convincing scientific evidence had shown that circumcision reduces the risk of female-to-male sexual transmission of HIV by 60%, (WHO, 2007). There is low uptake of VMMC in Zimbabwe, which ultimately becomes a reproductive health concern. The purpose of the study was to explore lived experiences of circumcised men in Nyanga Urban using structured interview guide tool. Descriptive phenomenological design was used where 10 participants were recruited using purposive sampling method. Reference to the Health Belief Model (Champion & Skinner, 2008) ^[6] was made resulting in concepts of the same evolving from the study. A descriptive phenomenological analysis was used to analyze data. Two major themes emerged which were lived experiences and perceived benefits and barriers to Male Circumcision. The results of the study revealed that participants were knowledgeable about the link between Circumcision and reduction in HIV transmission. Experiences of men after circumcision were explored. The experiences vary from pain management which was cited as manageable by most participants with the use of analgesia, circumcision was associated with enhancement of sexual performance by most participants. Mandatory abstinence was described as challenging after circumcision. The study findings further demonstrated motivating factors to circumcision which varied from partial prevention of HIV transmission, prevention of other STIs, improved penile hygiene and prevention of cervical and penile cancer.